Three experts discuss why they think the cloud is a good idea.
Cloud computing is big business at the moment – there’s no denying it.
But if you haven’t already adopted it as part of your IT strategy, there’s a lot of conflicting information out there about its benefits and the associated risks.
Some claim it’s an excellent way of storing data and frees up resources, as looking after the system is often outsourced to a specialist company. Others say it can be a security threat and organisations are better off managing their IT in-house.
We’ve collated ideas from a few experts who argue the case for moving to the cloud.
“Costs are falling” – Former Apple CEO John Sculley
On a recent Guardian podcast, Mr Sculley discussed the matter and noted the cost of cloud computing is falling – something plenty of you will probably welcome in the current economic climate.
He pointed out that the price per gigabyte of storage has dropped significantly from $5 (£3) to about 25 cents. Technology has also progressed and is now far more advanced than it was a few years ago.
“Now we are in an era with cloud computing where it is growing at an exponential growth rate”, Mr Sculley said.
“More firms are catching on” – CEO and co-founder of icomplete.com Stuart Hibbert
Mr Hibbert said a “vast array” of enterprises are adopting cloud computing and this is a trend that is only set to “accelerate faster and faster”.
He suggested associated applications will continue to mature and as they do, uptake will continue apace.
If the solution is growing this quickly, surely the risks cannot be a hindrance or this many businesses would not adopt the solution?
“It’s more efficient”- managing director of Dynmark Paul Putman
As cloud computing evolves, it will inevitably get more efficient. Furthermore, Mr Putman thinks hybrid solutions could even be developed and some companies will transfer their operations in-house.
He claimed the cloud is “cheaper, more effective and more operationally efficient” than standard IT solutions.
With thought-leaders such as these believing the cloud is a good idea, now may be the time to consider whether the cloud is relevant for your business.
